Hear me, See me, Listen to me

Author: Sophia Du

A phenomenon I’ve noticed, and I’m sure you have noticed as well, is that younger people are getting increasingly more socially and politically active. From personal Instagram stories, and 30-second Tiktok rants, to passionate debates on controversial posts, this trend in itself certainly shows a growing degree of political awareness. It conveys that our generation understands the grave importance of these issues, that it matters to us.

However, many, many more problems evolved from this; cancel culture, political sanctimony, tokenism, with one issue that is especially significant in my view - black lives matter.

The death of George Floyd was a turning point in major social change. Videos, images and conversations circulated the internet, taking our minds and hearts by the storm. Support, recognition, acknowledgement and attention, a cultural shift was unravelled and accelerated to the point of no return. Police brutality and racial injustice finally became an issue of relevance and were promoting real, visible actions. However, along with the good...the bad eventually and subtly tiptoed in, a wolf in sheep’s clothing, hiding behind the real passion and honest activism. '

Like the Arab Spring, social media and political activism came hand in hand, both of which played a crucial part in communication and education, such as organising protests and gathering support. Although, the difference in the BLM movement is from the disproportionate amount of online activism and real action, and perhaps real understanding. Black squares and bio catchphrases overtook social media accounts, with BLM tags becoming a viral trend. Obligatory and ceremonious. Not capturing the reality of the issue at hand, causing the deadly harms of institutional racism and inequality being hidden away behind a black square and a passing thought. The harm of this tokenism is not new, or limited to BLM. It can be applied to so many other issues today, with consequences that are beyond the control of any individual or collective.

So what can you do to be better?

Well...you can listen. Observe. Research into all aspects of the cause. Furthermore, become politically active to educate yourself and those around you. Minimise your ignorance for the sake of learning, don’t participate or aggressively argue your opinion until you are sure that the opinion is what you actually believe in.

In the world of eager participation, still put that story out on incarcerated Aboriginal youths, and the link to the Yemen humanitarian organisation fundraiser, or the post on Afghan women’s rights. However, as you do this, make sure your motivation comes from the desire for change, for education and awareness. Don’t do it for the trend, or the likes, or to showcase your political correctness. Do it in respect and acknowledgement, and please don’t minimise the impact of the issue for others who care, and finally, make sure that you care too.

Written by: Sophia Du